ICBC Class 5/7 Knowledge Test Guide (BC)

What is the ICBC Class 5/7 Knowledge Test?

The knowledge test is the first step to getting your B.C. learner’s licence (Class 7L or Class 5 learner). It’s a computerized multiple‑choice exam with 50 questions and you need at least 40 correct answers (80%) to pass. You have 45 minutes to finish. You can take the test in 12 languages and choose to hear the questions with an audio option^[1].

Built‑in tools on the test screen

• Skip button – You can skip any question and it will appear again at the end. You may cycle through all questions twice before you must answer^[1].
• Status bar – A progress indicator shows how many you’ve answered correctly and how many you can get wrong before the test ends^[1].

The test ends once you have enough correct answers or exceed the number of wrong answers allowed^[1]. If you’re unsure about a question, you can ask staff to re‑read it (but they won’t give hints)^[1].

Languages and accessibility

The knowledge test is offered in English, Arabic, Croatian, French, Farsi, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese^[2]. For those who need to hear questions, an audio option is available^[1].

Official study tools

ICBC recommends that every learner start with the official “Learn to Drive Smart” manual — it covers all rules of the road, signs, and safe‑driving practices. You can download it free in several languages or pick up a printed copy at any driver licensing office^[2].

Practice knowledge tests

• Official practice test – ICBC’s online practice test contains questions modelled on the real exam. You can take it as many times as you like to build confidence^[3]. It’s available in seven languages (English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Punjabi, Farsi, Vietnamese and Modern Standard Arabic)^[3].
• Road signs practice test – About one in five knowledge‑test questions are about road signs^[2]. ICBC offers a separate signs quiz so you can learn every sign by shape, colour and symbol.

Why road signs matter

ICBC notes that nearly 20% of knowledge‑test questions cover road signs — so mastering them can make a big difference^[2]. Spend extra time memorizing signs, signals and pavement markings.

How to study effectively

• Break it down: Read one chapter of the Learn to Drive Smart guide each day and then quiz yourself with the practice test.
• Use flashcards: Make flashcards for signs, rules and common questions to reinforce memory.
• Take multiple practice tests: Keep testing until you consistently score above 90% — this gives you a margin for nerves on test day.
• Review your mistakes: Study why answers were wrong; understanding the reasoning will help you remember.

Don’t cram the night before. Spread out your studying over several days to give yourself time to absorb the information.

Booking and test‑day tips

• Make an appointment: Knowledge tests are by appointment only. Book online and arrive 10 minutes early to check in^[4].
• Bring the right documents: You’ll need accepted identification. If you’re under 19, a parent or guardian must sign a consent form or accompany you^[2].
• No devices or study materials: You can’t talk, use electronic devices or consult notes during the test. Breaking this rule causes an automatic fail and a waiting period before you can retry^[2][1].
• Use the skip feature wisely: Skip questions you don’t know immediately to manage your time, but remember you can only skip through the set twice^[1].
• Read carefully: ICBC advises reading each question and every answer option thoroughly; some choices have partially correct statements that are incomplete^[1].

At the end of the test, the examiner will call you to discuss your result^[1]. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you need clarification during the test — staff can restate questions but will not provide hints^[1].

If you don’t pass

Don’t worry — many drivers need more than one attempt. ICBC allows you to retake the knowledge test after seven days^[2]. According to the official guide, every failed attempt has a seven‑day wait before you can try again^[5]. Use that time to review the material, focus on your weak areas and take more practice tests.